Exclusive Premiere: Us The Duo's New, Chills-Down-Your-Spine Music Video for "Safe"
Meet the reverse lullaby.
Michael and Carissa Alvarado, AKA Us The Duo, were catapulted to fame in 2014 thanks to those #6SecondCovers you could not stop watching on loop. One of the first Vine sensations to be signed to a major label, the husband-and-wife due rode the wave of viral fame, from Good Morning America to Oprah's stage. But in the spirit of being true to their artistry, they decided to leave the mainstream pop life behind and release their latest album, Just Love (out July 22), independently.
"We were both starving creatively and needed a way to express ourselves musically after a long two years of hustling in the music industry," they told us in a joint interview. And trusting their intuition manifested into what can only be described as any musician's dream.
"On a last minute whim, we rented a studio across the country for three weeks, hopped a flight, and locked ourselves in a room with instruments and three other musicians," they explained. "We all sat in a circle, pressed record, and Just Love came out. It was an unforgettable three weeks that we'll never be able to create again, but we're thankful to have it on record and even more excited to share it with the world."
One of our favorite tracks off the home-spun record is their self-proclaimed reverse lullaby "Safe." Originally written as an upbeat dance track, it took on a whole new life in the studio.
"Michael randomly started playing it with a few obscure, haunting chords and we began to sing it in an emotional way we never had before," they said. "We changed a few lines and suddenly the song turned into a reverse lullaby. Most lullabies are written from the parent's perspective, but we wrote this from the point-of-view of the person being cared for. Today's world is getting scarier by the minute, and we all need someone to rely on. That's what this song is about—reminding how much we appreciate the people who care for us."
Here, the exclusive debut of Us The Duo's music video for "Safe."
P.S. Be *sure* to catch the pair live on their worldwide #JustLoveTour going on now through the fall.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Kate Middleton's Brother James Says the Prince and Princess of Wales' Mental Health Advocacy Gave Them "Valuable Knowledge and Understanding" During His Deep Depression
"My parents rely on them, and Pippa, to try to breach the impenetrable wall of my silence."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Hailey Bieber Layers Blueberry Knits and Leggings for a Post-Baby Spa Day
The new mom enjoyed some solo self-care time in style.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Princess Kate's Brother James Middleton Says the Late Queen Elizabeth Filled a "Granny-Sized Void" in His Life
"It still feels surreal, the fact that I was there with the Queen: I look back on it with amazement."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Taylor Swift Had the Sweetest Dedication to Travis Kelce During Her VMAs Acceptance Speech
“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” Swift said after winning the Video of the Year award.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Lights Up the 2024 MTV VMAs Stage—With a Literal Flaming Arrow
The theme of the night is Joan of Arc realness.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Chappell Roan Dedicates Best New Artist Win at the 2024 MTV VMAs to the "Queer and Trans People That Fuel Pop"
"I see you, I understand you because I'm one of you," the singer said while accepting the coveted award.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Makes Out With an Alien While Performing a 'Short n' Sweet' Medley at the 2024 MTV VMAs
The superstar brought sexy back to space.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Tyla Calls Best Afrobeats VMAs Win "Bittersweet" Because of the "Tendency to Group All African Artists Under" the Genre
The South African star took home the Moonperson for her global hit "Water."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Post Malone Lauds Taylor Swift for Directing the "Fortnight" Video While Winning Best Collaboration at the 2024 MTV VMAs
The superstars gushed over each other while accepting the first award of the night.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Chappell Roan Tells a Photographer to "Shut the F--k Up" As She Arrives on the 2024 MTV VMAs Red Carpet
The singer had some words for the eager paparazzi at the award show.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
beabadoobee Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The singer opens up about her listening habits, including her penchant for playing Maroon 5 at parties.
By Sadie Bell Published